
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — THE CITY COUNCIL on Dec. 16 marked the opening of a new trauma recovery center in Downtown Brooklyn, the fourth such facility statewide to provide free, trauma-informed care to survivors of violence.
Operated by the Center for Community Alternatives, the site will serve victims of sexual and physical assault, domestic abuse, gun violence, trafficking, hate crimes, homicide loss, incarceration-related trauma and immigration-related harm.
The Council has invested about $15 million over four years to help establish New York state’s first trauma recovery centers. A new report from the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers found the four sites, including three in the city and one in Buffalo, served 1,197 survivors in 2024, with 70% of patients reporting reduced PTSD symptoms, while warning that most centers are at or near capacity.
“With our opening of New York City’s fourth trauma recovery center, crime victims will have access to vital services that help them recover, and communities will be safer. […] To sustain this work, city and state leaders must prioritize expanded investments for TRCs as a pillar of our public safety infrastructure, so that New Yorkers have access to their life-saving services,” Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement.
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.